Yeah, UI macros have their downside.
But if the console is in a mode to accept input from the user on the command line,
the UI macros will always work.
As you said, they are absolutely depending on the command line to be clear before working properly,
and the user sitting in an approprite view. (Live, Blind, etc.)

A macro command (like BumpLook or SerialWrite) for look page changes that doesn't involve a cue list or the button down/button up bodge would be immensely useful. The other bodges rely too much on the user knowing what they are doing, which in a community or school environment cannot always be relied upon.